Special Education Paraeducator at Fort Dodge Community School District

Special Education Paraeducator
Supervisor: Building Administrator
Contract Length: 190 days, or as assigned
Job Classification: Paraeducator 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family. 

• $14.67/hr (+$0.40 extra for 60+ college credit and $0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization)
• All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave. 

Job Summary

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work/community, early learning, and school bus, as assigned. 

Essential Functions 

• Assist teachers with educational activities.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment.
• Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures. 
• Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading, and other assigned areas.
• Clarify and reinforce teachers’ instructions and reinforce skills taught by the teacher. 
• Chart/graph student performance. 
• Assist students with work completion. 
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students’ Individual Education Plans. 
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment. 
• Assist in meal and snack preparation and clean up, as needed.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment. 
• Follow students’ behavior management plans. 
• Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed. 
• Assist with instruction in the community setting, as required. 
• Lift, carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
• Prepare instructional materials.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
• Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed. 
• Implement strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior. 
• Supervise students in community/work settings. 
• Follow directions from teachers and administrators. 
• Maintain confidentiality. 
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide supervision to students on the school bus, as assigned.
• Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to engage students with special needs

• Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others

• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures

• Well-developed oral and written communication skills

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs, services, and its employment practices.  If you have questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, rporter@fdschools.org, located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or contact the Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division for U. S. Department of Education Office, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, [email protected], Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501). Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator The District’s Compliance Coordinator for Affirmative Action is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, 515-576-1161, [email protected], 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The District’s coordinator for abuse reporting is Roger Porter, Director of Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [email protected], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 5050 Harassment Complaints and Allegations The District’s Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [email protected], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The District’s Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, [email protected], located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Deputy Coordinator is Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731,[email protected], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.  Rev. 7/2025

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.